GUWAHATI: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, stated in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that menstruation is not a "handicap" and should not warrant a specific policy for "paid leave."
Responding to a question by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Kumar Jha regarding the menstrual hygiene policy in the country, Irani highlighted the natural aspect of menstruation.
"As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle are not a handicap, it’s a natural part of women’s life journey… We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation," she emphasised during the session.
This follows Irani's response last week to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha, stating that there is "no proposal under the consideration of the government to make provision for paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces."
In a written response submitted in the Rajya Sabha, Irani acknowledged that a small proportion of women and girls may suffer from severe dysmenorrhea or similar complaints, but most cases are manageable by medication. She expressed concern about the societal silence, shame, and taboos surrounding menstruation, which can lead to harassment and social exclusion, especially for those unaware of the emotional and physical changes during their menstrual cycles.
In October, the government released a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy, proposing leave provisions for menstruating individuals in workplaces. The draft aimed to promote inclusivity and support the well-being and productivity of all individuals, emphasising flexible working arrangements during menstruation.